I have just completed coordinating my second "Speed Networking" event over the past 60 days. It was filled with eager business leaders ready to connect, high energy, and most of all lots of fun. For those of you who have not experienced this format of networking let me paint a clear picture.
Step #1: You show up ready and armed with your business "60-Second Commercial" and approximately 50 business cards.
Step #2: Make sure you eat a healthy meal prior to your arrival to keep your energy levels up.
Step #3: Arrive on-time and ready to mix/mingle among the crowd. This is the time to fine tune your plan of action.
Now, once the casual networking ends after about 30 minutes the formal "Speed Networking" begins. You will be selected as group "A" or group "B". The "A's" will stay seated for this round and the "B's" will rotate. There is approximately 2-3 minutes per round. Both "A" and "B" will need to get their business commercial in during this time.
After the "B's" meet all 50 people on the "A" Team. What I have found to be most effective is to group the A's in one large circle and group the B's in another large circle. You will take turns and share your business commercial with your own group. This is how you will meet all 50 people within the allotted time.
By the time 2-hours go by it will feel more like 1-hour.
So I encourage you to "think outside" the box and try "Speed Networking". You will walk away with 50 new leads/customers. It will be the best appointment you can make in 1 day.
Thriving Together
Saturday
3 Strategies for Effective Networking
Network, Network, Network! Everyone is talking about the importance of "networking". Over the last several years I have attended many networking events, locally and nationally. I am still finding people who attend these events, but are not understanding the networking concept. It appears to be very uncomfortable to some business professionals. Networking is an opportunity to build valuable relationships and in return will grow your business. So, get your 60-second elevator pitch down and remember these 3 strategies for effective networking.
1) Connect: Have a goal when you attend a networking event. How many connections would you like to make? If there is someone specific, can you connect prior to the event via social media? This way when you make the initial contact at the event it will be more comfortable.
2) Collaborate: Follow up, Follow up, Follow up! This is the key to networking and the start of building valuable relationships. Send a "nice to meet you" e-mail or hand written card after the event. Be sure to connect via social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Face Book). Your goal is to keep the lines of communication open and when ready suggest to meet up for coffee or lunch. During this meet up, take the time to get to know the individual first and then more about their business. You will be able to share your business with them as well, but just don't lead into the meeting talking about yourself.
3) Care: People do business with those they like, know, and trust. If you are consistent and show that you care about them personally. In turn, you will gain the business. The key to this strategy is to "listen". Get creative and find a way to "wow" them. For example, maybe they love chocolate. Send them some of their favorite chocolate with a special note. This will truly make their day!
In these times it is more important than ever to build valuable relationships. Write down these 3 strategies and watch your business THRIVE.
Thriving Together!
1) Connect: Have a goal when you attend a networking event. How many connections would you like to make? If there is someone specific, can you connect prior to the event via social media? This way when you make the initial contact at the event it will be more comfortable.
2) Collaborate: Follow up, Follow up, Follow up! This is the key to networking and the start of building valuable relationships. Send a "nice to meet you" e-mail or hand written card after the event. Be sure to connect via social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Face Book). Your goal is to keep the lines of communication open and when ready suggest to meet up for coffee or lunch. During this meet up, take the time to get to know the individual first and then more about their business. You will be able to share your business with them as well, but just don't lead into the meeting talking about yourself.
3) Care: People do business with those they like, know, and trust. If you are consistent and show that you care about them personally. In turn, you will gain the business. The key to this strategy is to "listen". Get creative and find a way to "wow" them. For example, maybe they love chocolate. Send them some of their favorite chocolate with a special note. This will truly make their day!
In these times it is more important than ever to build valuable relationships. Write down these 3 strategies and watch your business THRIVE.
Thriving Together!
Friday
Welcome to THRIVE!
Welcome to the first blog for Thrive Professionals Network. You have found the best resource for professionals in the Spa, Salon, and Wellness Industry. Our Network is filled with forward-thinking professionals who desire to collaborate on the best business practices, build valuable relationships, and give back to our community in a big way.
This blog will be dedicated to sharing the best business practices from our industry. I encourage you to comment or “like” these blogs if it is applicable to your business. Also, if you have not registered as a Thrive Professional, please do so. It is a FREE value to anyone who desires to be connected with the spa, salon, and wellness industry.
So check back every week for the latest updates and let’s Thrive together!
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